#But maybe I'll go back to isolde

[toxicyeuriii]

I feel the urge to change my blogs theme again

[themonotonysyndrome]

hello my lady!

how are you? i hope you are well.

i hope you know i adore your writing 🫶🏻

do you happen to have a part 2 to that oneshot? maybe another scenario of castin and the baroness when things were still icy? i’d love to hear things from castin’s pov as well.

unrelated, but i love the idea of the baroness being an absolute badass at combat. like being able to take down his men. and castin just being in awe.

anyways!! hope you’re well

thank you for all you do, you are so appreciated

Good evening, Anon! As I'm writing this, it's raining heavily at 10:12 PM, and my Bluetooth speaker is blasting Hit 'em up style by Blu Cantrell while sipping on some orange juice, cold and munching on sweets.

It makes me really happy.

Hmm... I wasn't thinking of continuing that oneshot, tbh, but you caught me in a good mood, Anon. We can explore that scenario a bit more!

do you happen to have a part 2 to that oneshot? maybe another scenario of castin and the baroness when things were still icy? i’d love to hear things from castin’s pov as well.

I'll be focusing on this since I've explained in an ask that while Celica can fight, it's mostly for self-defence and only when she's desperate. She wasn't trained to be a warrior; she's trained to fight dirty like an assassin.

So let's get to it!

-

"Rhett."

"Beloved."

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't throw your bro into the lake for making my girl upset."

"Castin does not make for a good fish food. Do you really want innocence to die from indigestion?"

"Can... can fish even get indigestion?"

The King of Intacia promptly snapped his mouth shut. A look of genuine contemplation is clear as day on his face. Normally, Isolde would've laughed and kissed him silly. It's just like her husband to be affronted over a piece of knowledge he lacks. Now? In this instance? On this day? On this beautiful day blessed by the Divine Couple themselves?

She's mad. Like, real mad. Mad enough to personally confront Castin, no bullshit. No King, no husband, no servants, no guards, no entourage and no pretence that it would be an amicable meeting.

If Isolde could see her reflection right now, she would've flinched in shock, but since there's none - only Rhett - the world remains blissfully unaware of how terrifying the Queen Ascendant truly is.

Rhett reaches out to her with a tentative hand. "Beloved..."

"No! No, Rhett! Don't you fucking dare try to pacify me," Isolde hisses, emerald-like eyes glowing with magic untamed as the ocean. "I gave not only Castin a chance but you as well. Forget about support from House Anesidora; if Castin made Celica cry? I'm finna be on a ship back to the Empire with her! 'Cause what the fuck, Rhett?"

"Anything that I say now regarding Castin will only sound like excuses - "

"Damn straight!"

" - and even though the Baroness has agreed to marry Castin - "

"Say sike right now. Rhett, I swear to the Conqueror, that better be a fucking joke."

"..."

Somewhere in the Palace, a fountain suddenly exploded. The unfortunate servants and nearby foreign dignitaries screamed and scatter like headless chickens. It's chaos.

"I'mma talk to your bro real quick."

Isolde forcefully yanked her hand free, her shoulders taunt with tension. Rhett scrambles after her, just barely able to stop her march. "Ok, look, I know this is not what you want to hear, but may I make a suggestion?"

"You're right - I don't."

"That is fine! Completely fine, Isolde. Then, I will speak to the air; don't mind me. Ahem. Sometimes, good intentions can go awry. It happens, right? Can we agree on that, please?"

The Queen Ascendant growls. Right. If Rhett wants to save Castin, he needs to watch whatever he says next carefully; every word counts. So he centres himself and has clear his thoughts. He ponders the bigger picture. What is truly important here? Uniting Intacia and the Coastal Empire. That has always been and will forever be Rhett's goal in life. His wife, friends and family deserve to grow old without war looming. But has he fallen into a tunnel vision? Did he nearly sacrifice the goodwill of his loved ones to accomplish that?

The answer had him pale, eyes widening in realisation. Suddenly, weariness seeps into his bones.

Seeing how defeated her husband looks broke Isolde's heart. She sighs, feeling just as defeated and so lost. She steadies him, and together, they sit on the ground. She couldn't care less how their clothes are dirtied.

"Rhett, I need you to listen to me very carefully here, ok? I know that your heart is in the right place; I do! It's one of the things that I love about you, sans kidnapping and all that. But the point is, in theory? Hooking our friends up and watching them ride off into the sunset in their wedding fit is awesome, great, a fairytale come to life. But we're not living in a fairytale, babe. Castin and Celica are just too different. They exist on opposite extremes, and you can't force them to change their nature."

The King is silent. His beloved's words are heavy and true. And then, he finally speaks, "We shouldn't interfere with them anymore. If the Baroness decides to revoke her agreement to marry Castin and withdraw her support, then... then that is her right and I will no longer darken her doorsteps. I will ensure her passage back home is safe. It's the least I could do. Could you please deliver my most sincere apologies to her? For the moment she steps foot on Intacian shores?"

Isolde pats his shoulder comfortingly. "There, there, Rhett. Don't be so sad. We're not gonna interfere with them anymore but let me talk to Celly first; check how pissed off she is because we might need to up our security."

"What on Earth for?"

"So you better let him know that if he mess up, you gotta hit 'em up."

-

Castin messed up big time. Major.

He lashed out at a woman who is not only the Queen Ascendant's bestie, but also the love of his life. Not that she knows that and at this rate, never will.

Ever since their telephone game turned into a trainwreck, flame and all, Baroness Anesidora never once left her assigned bedroom in the Palace. Her food is delivered when everyone knows King Rhett invites her to sup with the royal couple daily. She turns all but the Queen away when her friends come by for a visit. The maids in charge of cleaning the suite and attending her whisper that she's practically monosyllabic. No one but Castin, Isolde and Rhett knew the reason why.

Speaking of Isolde...

The Queen had chosen to have dinner with the Baroness this evening instead of her husband. Castin wanted to keep his brother company since things were still tense between him and the Baroness. Much to his dismay, however, Rhett wanted to be alone and ate his own meal in the office. This sucks - everything sucks!

And there's no one to blame but Castin.

He hates this. He hates himself for pushing the Baroness to a corner where she's forced to unsheath her claws. Again! He hates the chasm he created between Rhett and his wife. He hates how that little boy is still crying because he just can't fit in with the other Intacian boys.

Insecurity is a bitch.

He needs to make things right, and for that reason, he's been stealth-camping on the Baroness' balcony, patiently waiting for the Queen and the maids to bid her good night. When it's finally quiet inside, Castin continues to wait. A Noblewoman like Celica has a whole routine before she gets ready to turn in for the night and he didn't want to catch her mid-undressing. He doesn't want to create another international incident.

When he notices that only a single flicker of a candle is still lit, Castin finally takes his chance and slips into the room. He had already broken the lock when he heard the water running in the bathroom.

What he sees, however, made him feel shittier.

Baroness Anesidora is fast asleep at a table. Her head is cushioned by her arms, and books, journals, and documents are everywhere. She must've been working. It's a humbling experience for Castin since he only sees her in the morning, dressed to the nine with an arrogant smile. Seeing her now makes him want to grovel at her feet for refusing to believe that someone as strong and prideful as Celica Anesidora could ever get hurt by someone like him. A warrior with a mountain of baggage.

It takes considerable willpower for Castin to force himself to move, to do something. And so he snatches the duvet, and when he so gently covers the Baroness to ensure she stays warm, he sees what she has been working hard on:

New Intacian-Coastal Empire trade tariff proposal with rates that favours Intacia underneath carefully written lines of negotiations. A protection treaty for foreign investors regarding their assets ensures non-interference from the local aristocracy, including House Anesidora and covers disaster contingencies. On top of a stack of paper beside the Baroness' head is a financial incentive document designed to attract international entrepreneurs specialising in all sorts of industry; notes scribbled below outline tax breaks, subsidies and funding for foreign innovators, especially those from Steelgate. Lastly, a legislative document to be proposed to the King and Queen outlined Intacia's commitment to protecting foreign merchant fleets and caravans from threats like pirates, rogue Ascendants, and political rebellions while traversing to and from the country.

A wave of shame rolls over Castin. While he's too busy antagonising the Baroness, she's busy fleshing out a detailed economic framework for Intacia to stand strong once more.

"I'm so sorry..." Castin whispers. He wants to hold her, to kiss and tells her to not neglect her health; fuck, Goddess, help him, he's caught under this woman's spell, and he doesn't want to break free. "Don't hate me too much, yeah?"

Before he slips outside and stands guard (because of the broken lock on the balcony's door), he leaves his favourite book with a pressed Hibiscus - his favourite flower - inside. His first step in earning the Baroness' forgiveness.

[adhd-merlin]

merlin S1 rewatch: episode 9

let’s move on to ep 1x09 because I need to get on. with my life. I already re-watched this ep months ago and I can’t be arsed to do it again so I’m going to use screencaps and perhaps the transcript to refresh my memory.

kilgharrah warning merlin that excalibur MUST NOT be wielded by anyone but arthur, and merlin handing the sword to uther literally the next morning is so funny to me. it's kind of the same thing that happens with the cup of life, when iseldir tells merlin “hey this is important so don’t lose it okay?” and five minutes later we see the cup rolling down a hill. I love consistent characterisation. please don’t give this boy anything important for safekeeping he has enough on his plate already!!

I think Arthur’s coronet looks a bit dumb but still it’s nothing compared to the horrendous Burger King crown he'll wear as king. why did uther get such a prettier crown. why couldn't arthur just wear his father's crown. so many questions

why did they name the undead knight tristan, was he supposed to be the tristan? I think he was. I think their take on tristan and isolde in S4 was so disappointing btw. anyway moving on

Merlin: Gaius have you seen that knight’s crest before? Gaius: No, I don’t think so. I didn’t see it clearly. Actually I’m not even sure I saw a knight. Perhaps it was a trick of the light or a collective hallucination

Sir Owain: I don’t need luck Arthur: oh fuck he’s going to die

Arthur’s face after Uther holds him back and someone else picks up the undead knight’s gauntlet. so much self-sacrificing acts of bravery and NONE of them done by him. wrong and upsetting

S1 Arthur I'm not sure how to tell you this so I'll just say it. your haircut looks dangerously close to a mullet

Merlin: maybe arson can fix this

Nimueh telling Uther she was his friend!!! fuck season 6 I want a Merlin prequel

he’s a precious baby. he’s shmol. only tiny

gwen doing her whole “you know I'd grant you anything merlin… I mean, not anything! haha” meanwhile merlin is too worried about keeping arthur alive to notice. GIRL HE'S BUSY

WHY. who stands like this

he holds this stupid pose the entire time morgana is talking to him. imagine begging someone not to commit suicide while they brood and look out of the window like a sullen byronic hero. I would have pushed him out of the window. drama ass bitch

this is the second nighttime encounter between uther and gaius in this episode. uther saying goodbye to gaius before going to fight in arthur’s place. toxic yaoi. is this anything

YOU KNOW NOTHING YOU STUPID CHILD. I love that Kilgharrah is a hater and a bitch. to be fair to him he spent 20 years in solitary confinement so he's earned it

gaius drugging arthur then gently helping him into his bed is hilarious. he’s so good at lying and drugging people. big fan of gaius using his evil talents for the greater good, or just to have a laugh sometimes which is equally valid

what a fine blade you have there… it would be a shame if something were to happen to it

he’s wearing silver bracelets!! plural!!

[Enter Arthur, visibly furious]

Gaius [gathering his things]: I've just remembered I've left something on the stove. I must go right now immediately

Arthur [while Gaius scurries away]: YOU HAD GAIUS DRUG ME??

arthur and uther little father and son moment was cute ngl

there are a few more scenes until the end but I don't have much to say about them except that I love gaius and merlin's relationship

Gaius: [stares loudly] Merlin: [pretends not to notice]

[anneapocalypse]

1, 2, 4, 8, 19 for the dav meme!

Veilguard Hype Ask Meme!

What was the first Dragon Age game you played?

Origins! I've been here since the beginning. Alongside Fallout 3, it was one of the first RPG video games that absolutely ate my brain. I have fond memories of sitting on my futon playing DAO for like 16 hours straight, forgetting to eat and destroying my back.

2. Which Dragon Age game is your favorite so far?

This is always such a hard question for me to answer, because the three games are all so different, and I have deeply fond memories of all three of them, and I can also look at all three pretty frankly and see their flaws even as I still enjoy them. I think if I have to name a favorite though, it's still Dragon Age 2. Something about its structure and scale, the creative and unusual use of place and time, and its themes, really appeals to me. I've also come to really like the personality lock-in feature even though it does place some limitations on role-playing, and I love the friendship-rivalry system. I love it so much. I think it makes for much more interesting character relationships than simply "Does this character approve or disapprove of my actions?" Are there things about the other games that I prefer, of course. I want to be able to play as an elf or a dwarf or a qunari, for one. But even after all this time, DA2 still hits me a certain way. I love the other two games as well. There's just something about Kirkwall.

4. What does your worldstate look like going into DAV?

So I have like five or six world states and I don't consider any one of them more canon than the others, but I will be going into Veilguard for the first time with Rogues Gallery, which is exactly what it sounds like (and which means the one thing I know about my Rook is they'll be a rogue), featuring Jolene Cousland, Mallory Hawke, and Calla Cadash.

Basic rundown:

The Circle was saved, Connor and Isolde both lived, Zathrian broke the curse, and Harrowmont is King of Orzammar.

Jo romanced Alistair and convinced him to do the Dark Ritual.

They stayed Grey Wardens and rode off into the sunset together.

Anora is Queen of Ferelden.

Nathaniel is alive.

The Architect was spared.

Vigil's Keep and Amaranthine were protected.

Jo went off alone to find a cure for the Calling, and Alistair was left in the Fade.

Carver is dead, Bethany is alive and a Grey Warden.

Mal romanced Isabela. (In my headcanon, they later become a polycule with Merrill but of course that's not in the game.)

She rivaled everyone except the rogues and Merrill.

Bartrand is dead. Varric kept a piece of the idol.

Aveline did not marry Donnic.

Feynriel went to the Dalish, and then to Tevinter.

Clan Sabrae was killed.

Merrill did not destroy the Eluvian.

Mal refused to take any kind of a stand until the very end of Act III where she heaved a big sigh and sided with the mages.

She disapproved of Anders' actions but spared his life.

Mal is still alive and kicking.

Calla romanced Josephine.

She conscripted the rebel mages and the Grey Wardens.

Alistair was left in the Fade.

I left off with her right before Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, so I am not sure of her decisions from her onward! But I do plan to finish this playthrough before Veilguard comes out. :)

8. What faction are you most excited to learn more about?

I'm pretty hype about all of them, but I'd say the Lords of Fortune and the Veil Jumpers the most since we know the least about them!

19. Are you planning to replay any of the previous games, watch Dragon Age: Absolution, or read any of the books/comics/short stories, or are there other games you want to play in the meantime?

I do plan to finish my current playthrough of Inquisition (Calla's playthrough) which is still incomplete. Beyond that, maybe I'll re-read some of my favorite Tevinter Nights stories. I spent about three years (2020-2023) playing the whole series on repeat like 5-6 times and reading and watching all the side content I could get my hands on, so... I'm probably good on that front. ;)

Final Fantasy XIV is getting a new expansion, Dawntrail, in just a couple weeks, so that should occupy a good chunk of my summer, and I expect I'll be ready to play some more Dragon Age in the fall in preparation for Veilguard! (Would love to get an actual release date, though.)

[dundunny]

Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy XVI completed, and wow, I think it's my favorite Final Fantasy since IX, and I'm surprised more people aren't talking about it (focusing on VIIR2?). It's not a perfect game and has some glaring flaws, but I haven't had this much fun playing a Final Fantasy in a long time.

I'll start with the issues, and I think number one is the items, which affects the game twofold. First is there's a completely fucked up weapon upgrade system. Literally after I get a shiny new sword, barely an hour later I've gotten another one. It's like Square didn't track when a player should get trying out something new. The second is the rewards for exploration or epic battles don't matter. There are maybe a dozen different upgrade materials in the whole game, most of which you get pretty early on. So I'm literally running around the final area and finding fucking sharp fangs, which I started collecting way back in the beginning when Clive was like fifteen. Yeah, (some) bounties have good drops, but I literally defeated Bahamut and got forty bloody hides, of which I already owned hundreds. None of the accessories felt like game changers either, so opening up treasure chests felt like meh. You need a sort of nice reward for effort. If I'm gonna walk across the map for some distant treasure, it better not be five of what I already have hundreds of. It's annoying because they put so much effort into everything else, so literally hiring one dude whose sole job is this I feel shouldn't've been hard.

Then there are regular battles. Let me say this first: boss battles were amazing and I was completely satisfied with them. But XVI suffered from the same issue as Hogwarts Legacy: too little variation in enemies and you're way overleveled early on. There's no incentive to fight regular enemies on the map because you're not getting much EXP since you're already way over, their drops are pointless like every other item, so they're more or less just an annoyance you avoid. I didn't put any effort in trying basic encounters, and I beat the game one level below max. So what's the point. Given how much effort Square put into the battle system, it's a shame they didn't let me flex my muscles with it more often.

This is a personal preference but I think others would agree: I'm a big environments fiend, and you don't get to explore any of the major cities. Hell, you never see the Iron Kingdom's capital even in a cutscene. The cities are just dungeons, so you're basically there as a continuous fight so you don’t have time to appreciate the surroundings, and when you do everything is in the process of being destroyed or already is. You don’t even get to visit what should be a moderately sized town, Port Isolde, and even Northreach felt like a minor checkpoint before the capital moved. All that's left are small towns or even just hovels. I wonder if they were trying to save resources on environments; Oriflamme looks amazing from the outside, I can't imagine having the render all of that.

That being said, dungeons are following the trend of a linear path with perhaps a quick diversion for treasure. There's no puzzles, no thought (although a good portion of the time the dungeons are mid-battle of a large attack so there isn't time). XVI isn't alone in this; I've noticed most RPGs in recent years don't do the puzzle route as much anymore.

Another minor complaint is at times they would shove the point down the player's throat until it became fantastical. Yes, slavery is bad and people abuse slaves. However, I cannot imagine even in the cotton-picking South some person would purposefully have other people's slaves be killed by a giant wolf. That is someone else's property. Slaves to that extent are safe from others besides the master. Some dude is not going to go out and start murdering slaves randomly because even the law protects the master's possessions. It just doesn't make any sense.

Now onto the good things: pretty much everything else. The plot is solid and feels like Final Fantasy returning to form. Big crystals that need to be destroyed, kingdoms falling, a higher power controlling things behind the scenes... One thing I appreciate, and I think many recent games have lost this, is XVI had many sidequests that had us check in on friends we've met along the way and continue with their subplots. You never really forget these people and it shows how a network of connections and bonds is maintained. Even Eastpool, which was massacred fairly early on, rises up again much later on.

Another factor that I think is important is I just like Clive a lot. He's also my favorite Final Fantasy protagonist since IX. Don't get me wrong; I did like Lightning but if I ever had to work toward a common goal with her in real life, I probably would punch her in the face. I have no idea how she was ever in the military because she has zero sense of teamwork, and she acts like an asshole to even people who are actively trying to help her. Clive in contrast is very mature, has strong leadership abilities, not overly angry or obnoxious or lonerlike, and is just trying to do good in the world. He does make mistakes, but they're reasonable ones that happen because he didn't have all the information or there were circumstances he couldn't've foreseen, unlike other protagonists who do things you know are wrong and stupid but they do it anyway for the sake of plot. He makes the effort to play with the kids even though he isn't great at it, and they admire him for that. Even when he's angry in the beginning of the game, he's still respectful toward Cid and says, "Thanks for saving me, I have nothing against you or your group, I just have my own path I need to take." He recognizes his own weaknesses, and in such situations seeks assistence or delegates to others. He feels like an actual, filled-out human being, and kudos to whoever wrote him.

The other members of the cast are great too. Jill is very badass but a bit quiet and subdued, but given her time in the Iron Kingdom that's understandable. I thought Joshua would just be a plot point, but he really grew into his own. Cid was fun to be with, and I was sad when he was gone. Gav as always was cool. The enemies were great too. Benedikta died early on, but they threw in a great backstory with the little time they had. Kupka was an idiot and not deep, but you could feel his love and pain. Dion's path was surprising and I never knew what his next step was.

The battle system is definitely the best in the series. It was cool to experiment with each of the summons, and really it can be tailored easily to your style. No one I've asked equipped the same three summons. It feels like they were trying to reach a God of War level of combat, but simultaneously they fumbled on the actual fights. Again, bosses were amazing, but regular fights were just meh. I guess that's why they threw in so many boss fights so frequently.

In terms of music XV was definitely better, but I wouldn't stick my nose up to this. As with many aspects of the game, there were a lot of throwbacks. Prelude and the Final Fantasy Theme came up repeatedly, but also On the Shoulders of Giants had the traditional Final Fantasy regular battle opening. And also randomly for one of the times you fight Ultima, it's the FFI world map theme. I've definitely heard better, but I could listen to this OST on its own. The lyrics however are stupid. From what I'm understanding, they tasked the English translator to provide them, and considering this is the dude that wrote out "such foul attaint may not be sublimed through gainstanding," you can tell where this is going. I'll give a few examples:

A sickle forged of adamant To server the man from his hooded past No more a slave to sorrow's gloom In onychine eyes burn chthonic doom An evil hidng from the sun Blinding, he screameth eschaton immanent Now in its wake yawned lightless abyss Yon gaping maw his circumfix

I feel like this written by a high schooler who believes using as much SAT vocabulary they just learned makes them sound more intelligent. I don't know why anyone would compose this.

Visually it's all right. XV had a prettier environment, but this wasn't bad, especially when you're walking around Rosaria. I touched on how you never explore epic architecture, but the nature is beautiful. Unfortunately in the second half of the game when everything goes to shit, the world gets this haze over it and nothing is appealing to look at (which isn't unusual; other Final Fantasies, especially VI had catastrophic situations in the second half of the game). I guess that's kinda the point; the Blight is wiping out everything and actually Clive's efforts could ultimately be for naught and it's too late.

Which is how I'm going to end: It's a very depressing game. There's a lot of death, a lot of tragedy, a lot of loss. Clive lives a totally fucked up life, and he's not alone. The fact I still enjoyed this never-ending sadness demonstrates how well it was done. Totally recommend, play it as soon as you can.

Also... can we address that whole Barnabas and his mom thing? They had literally one scene with that and never mentioned it again. What the fuck was with that?

[squarebracket-trickster]

and done writing for tonight. a very scattered writing session where I went on tumblr for 2.5 hours before actually writing, then I made mayonnaise and shrubs with my mom, then procrastinated on searching my manuscript for "stuff from previous scenes I needed to know before I could edit the current scene" by going back on tumblr. then I actually did some writing

I stayed outside until like 11pm writing. help my feet are so cold and I was hearing weird noises in the dark. but I had to finish, you know?

stats:

word count: 56 899, page count: 95, words since last writing session: 983, word equivalent in draft 2: 54 090, page equivalent: 95, word count difference: 2809, projected total word count: 77 049 + 2809 = 79 858 (cool, I lost another 11 words! Means I've shaved off 50 words total in the last two sessions.)

percent/80 000: 71.1%

percent/77 049: 73.8%

percent/79 858: 71.3%

percent based on draft 2: 54 090/77 049 = 70.2%

70% Yeah Babeyyyy!! Last 30% here we come

thoughts: these last several scenes have been so dialogue heavy. I don't want to trim any of it bc I think it's all either funny or important for plot. But there's got to be some way to balance it out. Action beats aren't enough. Descriptive passages aren't enough. What am I missing??? Like, the writing is pretty strong for what's there. But it's missing something...

I also worry that maybe the pacing is suffering. A lot is happening all at once, but is Isolde an active part or is she just recounting what's going on around her? How much of the dialogue and action beats are advancing the plot and how much are just catching the reader up to speed, because fuck there are so many moving parts to keep track of? Are the stakes apparent enough? Are Isolde and Henry succeeding too easily? Are the antagonists not active enough? Is Isolde not active enough, is she just describing Henry's plan at this point? Maybe that's what I'm missing. Internal conflict. Also just, in-scene pacing and tension building.

goal for next time: one more scene and then the masquerade section starts. the whole thing is about 6.9k. If I'm lucky and not tired tomorrow night I might get through half that (3k) and hit 60k total words. If not, I'll try to get there by the end of Saturday.

[randomgentlefolk]

CPC CHAPTER 145

Not the prison break I was expecting, but it's the best prison break I've ever seen XD

They finally found him!! Or well at least where he is. And damn Frederick :( Someone give him therapy fr. He really needs one. I'm so glad the LeoMieCake found him on time because.. imagine what he would've done if they hadn't found him.. You know, isolation can really do some stuffs to you, especially if you've gone through some trauma/experience that can cause your emotions to be unstable. That's why I've been so worried about Frederick since it was revealed he was imprisoned in the that hole by Leland.

LAVERNE 😭 I know she's been pretty hated since the punishment episode, but damn gotta thank her right now. You know, I've been curious about the architecture of the Plaid Kingdom because I was thinking "That's a hole.. but it has a holey roof..??? Where the heck is this dungeon located in exactly?" And now I got my answer. Imagine being the maid/butler just cleaning around like "that hole over there? Yeah that's normal it's for flood"

Isolde :( I can heavily relate with running away from problems and just sitting back. And man I'm so happy Isolde talked to Frederick too and even apologized for using him to ruin Leland's plan. Gosh damn this whole family is in such a bad state just because Leland is so petty. I will never get over that. Also aw man too bad Frederick didn't listen to Isolde :') he could've learn so much.. but that's just him, haha. That one determination that you got out of nowhere causing you to block everything out, I feel that.

IS FREDERICK GOOD? He got— he got hit IN THE HEAD, with a big rock. Bro are you good bro? That could've cause a concussion or worse.

Bro is so determined, he didn't even think about pulling himself up instead of trying to pull the whole bars down 😭

Heck yeah! Laverne saved the day! Gotta thank Whitney fr. Also Frederick lmao that gala costume was really foreshadowing huh? I wonder what Lance's gala costume is foreshadowing.. (i hope it's something silly and not him getting actually hurt)

Wait.. He's gonna go to the Pastel Kingdom with Laverne.. Does that mean he's gonna go to cpc too?! OH NO, WHITNEY! RUN, BRO! RUN FROM LAVERNE.

...damnn Blaine... Idk if I'm rooting for you or not. On one hand, poor fangirl. On the other hand, she IS kinda creepy ngl. That was kinda deserved. But dang bro.

YES! The pastel siblings MUST read Leelathae's diary! Maybe they will read it to Gwen in her sleep? Also, one statement caught my eye

Is this.. Is this legit? Is this going to foreshadow what is going to happen in the future? I haven't seen someone talk about this so please tell me if you have any theory about this.

Oh??? What could this be? A divorce? Another sneak into Leland's office? Will it be something serious or silly?

That's all for now. Uh, I'm very VERY sorry for uploading this really late. For some reason I've been feeling very numb lately. But I'm sure I'll get better so don't worry ^_^

Mono out! (But still in to hear your thoughts)

[fey-changeling]

please infodump!!! i am interested!! tell me things i do not know!!

I have been Enabled. I'm so sorry. (I literally wrote an essay so I've reduced it to the most interesting parts—hopefully! Includes footnotes!)

My Cosplaying At A Glance

Technically been cosplaying for 10 years, I only count it as cosplay from 2020 though.

I have A Thing about accuracy which can make the creative process veeeery stressful.

I've made one cosplay from a live-action film/series¹ and I hope never to repeat the experience because of the above.

I hate being photographed, I'm awful at modelling, I'm very slowly getting better.

I hate doing The Social Media more than modelling.

I love when my vision starts coming together and I feel like the character.

2023 Plans!

Modern/dark academia/pre-Fate Arrnodel closet (ish) cosplay (stockings dilemma because stripes (a bit witchy) or snakes (nude colour might not work over blue). I have no clue where I'm going to shoot this but probably my room or in the woods.²

Various small projects for basics/accesories/the cool trousers I've always wanted/alterations

Hopefully I'll be able to do a rusalka shoot but it does depend on finding a good location, there's a stream in the big woods but it's a long way and much more popular area for *people*.

The Wyrd Sisters in april/may because bluebells and wood anemones, current plan is to do a different outfit (and maybe hairstyle) for each sister. I just think they'd be so much fun to cosplay. (Oh, how darling! Mortals!!!!!)

Right now I really want to dress up in my Isolde cosplay because I love it so much. It makes me feel so powerful because there's A Lot fabric in the skirts, so when I'm wearing the underskirt (ankle length full circle skirt) and the robe (which has godets³) there's so much weight and swish to it when it moves. The only problem is (i'm ill and i can't be bothered) it's a lot of stuff plus prosthetics, remembering jewellery, and I never know what to do with the wig.

I'm pretty sure I do this because I'm a dancer and how people move is very interesting but my cosplays (Rem and Isolde especially) have specific body languages.

Rem is very open, a little bit masc, she's confident, has a relaxed-but-not-too-relaxed posture, can't sit properly on a chair (manspreading, legs over the arms, cross-legged), she talks with her hands, she fidgets, something cat-like but basically her body language downplays how dangerous she really is.

Isolde is much more closed, her arms are often across her body or behind her back, she has ballet dancer posture, she moves very smoothly and elegantly, sits legs crossed or ankles crossed, hands in her lap, minimal superfluous movement, holds herself like she's better than you.

anyway here's a photo I love from my recent Rem shoot (I'm wearing fluffy socks), and a photo from my first Rem shoot (I hate the wig, I was literally freezing but the vibes). Isolde underskirts (before I hemmed them), and an edit I made that I love (before I got the right prosthetic ears)

Thank you so much for enabling me and also if you read all that. i'm always happy to talk about this if you want to know more :)

[yellowmagicalgirl]

Cold Hands, Gigantic Heart

While on the run from Edda and the Jutuls, Isolde gets cold.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ragnarok, and I have never been to Norway so there might be some places where the setting details are wonky. I also haven't finsihed season 3 yet, so please no spoilers!

This was written for Jubileen on AO3 for the 2023 Battleship Exchange.

AO3

FFN

SquidgeWorld

It was a long trek from Edda to their destination. It was even longer, since Saxa and Isolde were travelling on foot. They had initially been sharing a bike, but after a recent crash the bike had been wrecked. Maybe, if they had been able to stay in one place for a month, they could have gotten it back from a repair shop. It would have taken too long, though. They were being tracked despite their efforts. They had needed to leave the other Jutuls' sphere of influence so that Isolde would be safe and Saxa wouldn't be dragged back.

It wasn't easy. Saxa's back hurt from sleeping on the hard ground. She missed her nice, large, fluffy mattress. Maybe she had gone soft, but she was not looking forward to sleeping on the ground again tonight. Maybe, if they made enough progress on the hike today, they could stay in a hostel tomorrow night.

Saxa knew she wasn't the only one the walking was hard on. Isolde's shoes were wearing thin. Isolde would protest and claim that she was fine, that they didn't need to dig into what savings Saxa could take with them. Isolde didn't usually complain for herself, just other people. As it was, right now her teeth were chattering.

Saxa wrinkled her nose in confusion. Wait, what?

"Are you cold?" Saxa wasn't cold.

She's human, and humans are weak and short-lived, Vidar had said after Saxa had intervened, after she had told Isolde to run. We're the only ones who understand you, and you're going to give all that up for her?

Isolde turned to her. "How are you... right. You're not human."

Saxa took Isolde's freezing hand, listening to her girlfriend sigh at the warmth. "Yes, well, I'm sure you're happy for my nonhuman hands right now. Come on, let's go find a place to set up camp."

"Are you sure? There's still a few hours of daylight.

"It's just going to get colder. If we keep walking in the cold, you might get sick."

"Okay, okay. Beans for dinner?"

"I'll gather firewood."

An hour later, they were laying down together between two blankets that did little to keep Saxa from feeling every single piece of gravel. She didn't know how Isolde managed to fall asleep so quickly. As frustrating as the gravel was, at least Isolde wasn't cold anymore. Saxa's hand trailed up Isolde's chest, resting over her heart and feeling its steady beat. If Saxa hadn't been there, if she hadn't intervened, then it wouldn't be beating right now. She hadn't meant for their relationship to grow so close. It had just a way of keeping an eye on a potential threat to Jutul Industries. Now Saxa was a threat.

Isolde was human, and like all humans she wasn't as strong as a giant, nor was she as long lived. And yet, she was the strongest person Saxa knew, with a heart big enough to fit both the planet and Saxa in it.

And no one but time would take Isolde away from her. Not even the cold.

A/N: Fun fact: the alternate title to this was The Soles of Your Shoes Are All Worn Down (the Time for Sleep Is Now). I felt that it was too long, and more importantly, using an "I Will Follow You into the Dark" lyric for an AU where Isolde lives gave off the wrong tone.

[ventureawaybitches]

Fate Legacy Game 2 (part 1)

This is a spoiler warning, you are being warned of spoilers, consider yourselves warned

Love that when needing more information everyone's like I'll phone a friend, except Kara who's going to punch stuff

Genuinely thought to call the Raven Queen Arrnodel would pick Alistar up like a phone and talk into him

The Raven Queen is just so cool and scary and I love how oblivious Arrnodel is to how creepy it all is

Very interested in the idea that with demi-gods giving their power to someone it's like giving a part of their life force, and it hurts the demi-god if they aren't close. What would happen if they were on different planes? That's an immense amount of trust

Our darling Rem

I'm gonna take a bath to clean off all that sexual tension (same girl)

Bastard's Breach is being rebuilt. Interestiiiinnggg

I am water. You are hope. That is your kind.

They were talking to Phin (and maybe Amalthea, I can't remember) about finding a base for the Furies so...it might be on the Jade Isles???

Presana's whole thing that mortal kind are made of hope is really beautiful.

Isolde wearing white in a place where everyone and everything is covered in dust and sand all the time is such a power move (also Rem's favourite colour is black, just saying)

I never loved anyone before her. And I don't know if I'll ever recover. To love a demi-god is all consuming, and when I lost her I felt I lost something of me. WHAT IF I DIE CELESTE!!! HOW DARE!!!!!

Chess has diamond patterned skin, very cool (yep I was surprised they have skin)

I would like Chess and Rem to fight for fun and profit

Carillon brewery confirmed, spend years learning insanely difficult and dangerous magic, also how to make beer 10/10 no notes

Leading on from that please tell me the carillon temple has a gift shop

Sawyeh with the how about y'all just don't fuck my god

Aaron and Arrnodel broke up, I'm not surprised and I think everything going on with Arrnodel at the moment is laying the foundations to her moving to the Shadowfell on a more permanent basis, now she has less ties to the mortal realm

CO-CAPTAINS!

Kara and Fera's talk and how it expands on Fera's arc/rise to power/taking responsibility-autonomy in her life, I like that Fera doesn't want to step back, and she's not going to let go now

This might be cos i haven't listened to the finale in ages and forgot everything but

It's obvious that the cast have discussed where they want to go and retconed a few things from legacy game 1 with more thought about the maidens' future, and maybe how this will tie into Favor.

I don't understand why they had to evacuate New Breach, but i might've been wrong thinking only the Keep was pulled into the Fates realm. I find it slightly frustrating that all the political efforts in Kara's arc to get the fey tree are rendered pointless and all these people who wanted to live away from the Eldrin Empire are forced back to it.

(all quotes are approximate, i do not trust my notes)

[dncinginthemccnlight]

Isolde could see the fear that flashed across Joanna's eyes, the worry that there was not time enough. As Isolde always did, she relented, shaking her head. "Jo...I don't want you to move more quickly than you intended to. It can wait. This thing...it's going to take time so we have years if need be, maybe even five or more..." Or less. Consumption was notoriously fickle, running on the time of no man or woman whether they were penniless or rich. Even the doctors had no concrete answers, no regiment to prescribe to ward off the spectre of death. They were all in the waiting game now. "You and Reuben should bask in being engaged for now. I'll be there, no matter what, whenever it happens." She gave her sister a wan smile, trying at reassurance while her fingers went to play with her hair. "But when we do, Scotland will be the best place for you to have it, bursting in it wildness and verdure." Even as she spoke, she could feel her chest tighten; she was promising things she could not, not when she had no schedule. She knew it and Joanna did too. "But now these things, these moments will all have this stain attached to them. I didn't want to stain this time for you. I'm...I'm so sorry Jo. I am sorry that this happened, that I...I wish I had never found out, that things could go back."

I wanted to see you get your happily ever after. The words rang in her ears just after Isolde said them, and they would continue to echo through her mind each time she was alone in the silence. She did not need to say the words, for Joanna knew exactly what it was that she meant. She wanted to see her wedding before she departed. But if Javier was correct in his assumption of the timeline, that would mean it would have to take place in a matter of mere weeks. Impossible. They were supposed to have years to wait, to bask in the glory of new love, to let it grow and strengthen until the idea of spending the rest of their lives together didn't seem so terrifying to either of them. It was a fool's dream to begin with, but one that she could believe in with no real date set. Now, it would have to be. She could not deny Isolde her dying wish, but what would the price of that be? She could practically see it now, Reuben's heart turning cold at her touch once the wedding would be forced upon him. Surely, she would lose him... what kind of happy ending would that be? "We..." the words were caught in her throat, catching her breath once, twice, before finally speaking again, "I am certain father would not deny such a request... we would have to travel back to Scotland quickly, since I refuse to be... married," such an odd word to associate with her own self, "anywhere else." Joanna shook her head, the tears beginning to fall down her cheeks. "Isolde, we do not have time," as noble as it was to think that they would, she understood Javier's urgency, "We can still do all of those silly little things... they will just be part of the memories I will hold in my heart forever."

[lemonsdaily-artdump]

Inside the bonemill our paladin could not hold back her rage at the hag coven that resided there, for all the children they killed. She and our warlock decided, at level 1, to try to fight morgantha and her daughters.

Now Isolde here is very familiar with hags, had been wary of the group to start. She tried desperately to convince the coven to stop attacking the party. Lest gods of other realms, other powerful hag covens, or strahd himself grow angry at their actions. (Please keep in mind Isolde here had some gnarly stats for specifically persuasion. Even with a +8 the highest I rolled over three attempts was a 12 total) the hags ignored her. The paladin and warlock both get knocked unconscious - close to death.

(our dm threw me a bone)

A knock at the door. Morgantha is terrified. Isolde thinks "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" and opens the door to find herself meeting none other than strahd von zarovich. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Isolde tries what she does best, to lie her ass off and slap on the charm. She invites strahd in and tries to butter him up, she's his GUEST after all. He listens and commands morgantha to let them go. The hags agree but name a price: they will keep one of the party members.

So Strahd leaves to choice to Isolde. Thinking that whoever is chosen may be captured and they'll have to break out later she chooses the paladin (they started the fight to begin with)

Strahd smiles, walks over to the prone body, reaches down, and rips the paladin's head from her body.

Isolde is shaken from her ass kissing performance at the sight.

Satisfied that the confrontation is ended strahd gifts the head of her party companion to Isolde (who keeps a collection of dead people hair - some weird death obsession or hope to one day commune with them again, even she can't tell you why)

With much charm, bursting with charisma, strahd invites Isolde to the castle ravenloft for a dinner feast, and then leaves.

(during this time the warlock fails his death saves and so he too died)

Idk nor do I at the moment care to know how to format comics. Maybe I'll redo this one day but for now it's fine.

[weakforarwen]

Merlin Week 2022 Day 2: Favorite Scene

I could talk about my favorite arc (Gwen's rise to Queendom), or my favorite episode (The Once and Future Queen), or my favorite season (honestly, it's a tie between seasons 2 and 3), or even my favorite theme (Gwen vs. Uther and Arthur's growth), but I've nothing left to say. Yet, it's also impossible to say what my favorite scene is.

Is it an Arwen scene? Arwen's first kiss? Arthur looking back at Gwen after saying they couldn't be together in 2.02? "I will always love you"? "They'll see.""I don't care."? Arwen's reunion hug in 4.12? "It's what you do when you love someone."? "I've never loved another."? "Yes, with all my heart."? "Then all is lost.""Then there's still hope."? "I married for love. I love Guinevere. More than I can express."? "Guinevere is wise and strong, and I trust her more than anyone. [...] I would rather not rule at all than rule alone."? "Without her, they're worth nothing to me."? "How can I admit that I think about her all the time. Or that I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that I don't know what I'll do if any harm comes to her?"? "How is Arthur? [...] When I am gone, will you take care of him for me, Merlin?"? "If I lose her, I lose everything."? The picnic in 3.10? Their kiss in 2.10? Arthur and Gwen looking at each other as Isolde dies in Tristan's arms? "Merlin, if anything should happen to me, look after Gwen. The world may think she is just a servant, dispensable, but she's not dispensable to me." "Right... Good job I'm not very dirty, then." "It's a good job indeed!"? "I don't think I'd ever get used to it." "You don't have to. You've got me."? "You did a good deal more than that. You were equal to any knight of Camelot. I'm proud of you." "Really?" "Really."? "I know you have to go, but..." "I'll be careful." "For me."? "I wasn't going to let anything happen to you."? "Do you remember the first time I kissed you? There. That's the memory I will take with me."? Arthur moving a lock of Gwen's hair in 2.12? "I knew it. I said you'd be alright." "I can remember you talking to me." "You can?" "You stroked my forehead." "I was tending to your fever." "You never lost faith." "I was just talking." "Tell me again what you said?" "I don't remember." "Yes, you do." "No, I don't." "Come on. Something about "the man I am inside." "No, I never said that." "Guinevere..." "I have to get these washed, Sire."? "That thing could've killed you." "And it still might! Sorry, Sire." "No. My pleasure."? "There's no need to call me that." "There is every need, Sire."? "I love Camelot more than I can say, but when I'm there, sometimes I feel I can hardly breathe. Everyone expects so much of me. Being here with you? I can be myself."? "You were right to ask. I rely on your honesty, Guinevere. And I love you for it."? "So Ruadan believed it was his sacred duty to fight my husband."? "I lost Guinevere once before."? "We have wasted an entire day!"? "Maybe so, but you're forgetting one thing, Uncle. Guinevere is with them. We keep going. All night if necessary."? "I love you, Guinevere, more than you can imagine. There isn't anything I would not do for you."? "Only he can reach the part of Gwen that remains true."? "Do you remember when I asked you to marry me? Do you remember what you said? You said, "With all my heart." That's what you said, Guinevere. That was no subterfuge. No trickery."? "I love you. You mean everything to me.".... "Guinevere, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Is that a yes?" "Oh, sorry! Yes. Yes. Yes."? "All I know, my lord, is that no one would sacrifice more for Camelot or you than Gwen." "And if that were so?" "You must do what your heart tells you, sire." "What if I don't know what that is?" "I think you do."? "Gwen will be found. You will find each other."? "Oh...the world's a strange place, Guinevere. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things."

Or, perhaps it's a Gwen scene... Gwen's coronation? "I don't expect someone like you to understand that."? Gwen blacksmithing in 3.12? Gwen starting a fire in 3.07? Gwen standing up for women in Ealdor? All of Gwen in 4.02 and 5.01? "Don't let anyone tell you what to do. You said you are your own man. You have a good heart. Be true to it. Only then will you be the king you want to be."? "I trust you, Arthur. More than Uther. More than any man. Worry is not a wise counsel. Forget everything else. You have to follow what you believe is right."? Gwen's dignity in 3.10 when facing death? Gwen's words to Arthur in 2.07 and 2.02? "Get away from him!"? "No, no, no. We'll never outrun them, you must go on without me! [...] Morgana, go! Please! You must get help!"? "You are everything that is right with this world."? "Do not flatter yourself. I am not your guest! I am your prisoner!"? "Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me.""Remember me"? "Ask, Merlin. You know I'd grant you anything. I mean, not anything. Obviously, not anything. What is it you want?"? "Oh, it's, don't worry, it's completely gone. I've no desire to kill Arthur." "That's great news. Although, I'm afraid right now he does want to kill you."? "After what happened in the council yesterday, I'll never be able to look Arthur in the face again." "I know, it's embarrassing." "It's more than embarrassing, Merlin! I cannot face him, ever." "Come on, Gwen. It's not that bad. All girls do it, don't they?" "Not in public! And certainly not in front of the man they have feelings for!" "You still have feelings for Arthur." "Not that it matters now, because he will never be able to look at me in the same way again." "Gwen, if Arthur likes you, he likes you. Warts and farts and all." "Merlin, I haven't got any warts." "Then you'll talk to him?"? "Gwen! I've been searching the whole town for you. Arthur's been worried sick." and all of Merlin and Gwen's scenes in 3.07. "But I like that you tried, and that you know when to give up." and Gwen's first scene with Gwaine. "I understand why you can't forgive me. But I never once stopped loving you. Never once."? "Maybe he's right. One day I will be the King of Camelot, and I cannot be a friend to the people as well as their ruler." "That's not true, and you will prove it when you become King. You've a kind heart, Arthur. Don't ever change. Not for anyone." Anytime Gwen used a sword or defended herself in any way was great too, or whenever Angel made one of her brilliant and hilarious faces, like in 3.03 or 4.03. And there are a lot more scenes of Gwen with Merlin, Elyan, Gaius, Morgana that I love.

Maybe an Arthur-centric scene? My personal favorite is "It is destiny, my love. Destiny and chicken". But, also, "Without the people there is no Camelot. We're as much their servant as they are ours."; "Because it's not victory I seek. It is peace."; "This is no way to achieve peace."; "What happened to you Morgana? I thought we were friends."; "Then I'm happy being insane. Surely it's better than being miserable."; "You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you." and all of 1.11; "But to save her dying father, that doesn't make her guilty of creating a plague. One's the act of, of kindness, of love, the other of evil. I don't believe evil's in this girl's heart."; "I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them. [...] Do not make this a test of wills, Father."; "I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of."; "If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do."; "Look, no matter what adversity we face, we stand for what is right. To betray our beliefs, Merlin, that is what would destroy everything we've strived for. I swear I'm going to rescue my men... or die trying."; I cannot even begin to count all the times Arthur was willing to give his life for his men and his people. I also love the scenes where Arthur puts aside his pride. Like when he let his father win in 3.11. "Is this what you want? To die here, now know you condemn this land to war. Odin, you cannot let it end like this. The blood will never wash off. [...] We have both lost much at the others hand. Let us loose no more, I am offering you the chance to end this. Take it!"; "I made a mistake." "I've looked after you since you were a nurseling, Arthur. You should've known I love you far too much ever to betray you. [...] Contained within this great kingdom is a rich variety of people with a range of different beliefs. I'm not the only one seeking to protect you. There are many more who believe in the world you are trying to create. One day you will learn, Arthur. One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you." That is another personal favorite.

There are also many scenes of Arthur with Merlin and the knights that I love. In 1.02 Arthur trusted Merlin's word over a knight's; in 1.05, he disobeyed Uther to save Merlin; in 4.08 he was so happy to see his men well; what he did for Elyan in 4.10, etc. There are Merlin's scenes too that I love... especially the ones with Gwen, Gwaine and Lancelot. I think they've been giffed already.

If you made it this far, I rest my case.

[malaismere]

I am the wildemount job's biggest stan but I think I'll ask for director's commentary on the wedding ceremony in ch 6 of Tower of Shattered Glass, either from "Lord Caleb Widogast, archmage of antiquity" to "Essek wishes that could give him comfort." or the passage right after that until "Best not to dwell on it. In unison, they both step forward, down the center aisle, the line of people trailing after them." Whatever you think is interesting!

honestly, probably for the best, im not sure how much commentary for the wildemount job I’d have beyond “i thought it was funny” (that’s only half a joke, I did put thought into that fic)

I’m doing both because I like rambling, and may as well cover the full wedding. Below the cut!

Lord Caleb Widogast, archmage of antiquity. He’s dressed in crimson red, the trademark of the Assembly, and his bright blue eyes stare back at Essek with a gaze that feels like it could set something on fire, make a lesser man crumble beneath it.

So, the biggest inspiration for this fic is Reputations (as is only fitting for an arranged marriage, volstrucker!caleb fic). In it, Caleb sets his hair on fire as a nervous tic, which everyone (especially husband to be Molly) thinks is intimidating/a sign of anger. Didn’t steal it exactly, but I think volstrucker!Caleb has real rating murder face.

And every time I describe him in the early chapters, I think it’s very important that he looks clean cut, imposing. This isn’t truly Caleb, after all - it’s closer to Bren. Although, he’s not usually in Assembly/blood red, it’s more a public appearance/formal thing. Read into that how much metaphor you want.

Essek matches it, unflinching, keeping the blank, congenial smile on his face.

Of course, resting murder face or not, Essek was raised in courts. I like to imagine that the dens are very much the great houses with all the ruthlessness and only somewhat less murder; you won’t last long in high echelon politics if you can’t handle yourself and your emotions, much less Shadowhand. Essek is very good at not letting anyone know what he’s feeling, especially to not seem intimidated.

The priest begins to read out the sermon - a generic, inoffensive thing, the wording of which had been argued over for hours. It speaks of the strength of unity, the power of alliances, alluding to both the marriage and the peace.

I did not want to write wedding vows.

Although I think it’s important that this isn’t actually vows; neither speak here, it isn’t really about them. This also emphasizes how political - and therefore - how dull - most of the planning was.

“Let Erathis bless this union, and all those that follow,” the priest finishes, and steps back, as the Dusk Captain moves forward to take the place, and, behind Widogast, the third archmage, Wulfric Kirchoff, pulls out the beacon from the case it had been held in.

Erathis chosen as the least offensive deity to the Dynasty and also patron of political marriages and treaties.

Eodwulf is holding the beacon. Our trio of archmages won’t let anyone else even see it without one of them present. Paranoid motherfuckers, aren’t they? Rightfully so, of course.

Wulfric Kirchoff is my excuse to have Caleb Widogast - Wulfric to keep Wulf, Kirchoff comes from Church for his worship of the Raven Queen. Astrid is Isolde Siegrun, for ‘Isa’/‘Asa’ and Siegrun meaning Rune of Victory. Caleb only refers to them by the nicknames when alone, so going forward I want to shift towards that to make it less confusing, but Essek/M9 only know the aliases....yeah this was maybe too much thought. What can I say. I like my canon compliance.

Kirchoff hands it over to Widogast, who holds it aloft, and Essek reaches up to grab the handles, grasping it between them.

This is the core ritual of the wedding and the peace. I wanted to parallel the iconic Caleb throne room scene. But he’s got more power, here, they’re equals - if anything, Essek’s got the lower status, because he’s being shoved into the game.

The last time he held this beacon, he had stolen it, whisked it away to enemy lands to experiment on it, sparked a bloody war, cost the lives of agents and soldiers and civilians on both sides.

Emphasizing that, even without Caleb, this is an Essek who made his heel-face turn.

“The Light shines upon you,” the Dusk Captain says, “as on us all - may it guide us from the dark, unto the truth.”

Counterpoint to the Erathis bit; one to the Empire, one to the Dynasty. They don’t need a king speech about peace and marriage - they don’t really do weddings, after all - they just need the beacon.

Also, to highlight that Quana - and everyone in the Dynasty - is completely unaware of Essek’s treason. It isn’t a jab at his lies. It feels like one anyways.

It would be the easiest thing in the world, to teleport away, right now. At the highest level, the chances of the Assembly counterspelling were low. He could run, run from it all, find some forgotten corner of the world to complete the research.

Essek may be a face, but it’s tempting. Nothing like willingly being handed the thing you conspired to steal. Of course, this plan would likely end in his execution, but realism can’t break the fantasy.

He hands the beacon over to Verin, to place in the case once more, and hopes whatever lapse, whatever hesitation, passes off as mere religious fervor.

A deliberate Eodwulf-Caleb-Essek-Verin chain/parallel here.

If Widogast notices - if he has any hesitation, watching the second, final beacon vanish from his grasp - he shows no signs of it. Essek wishes that could give him comfort.

This line is the core of the fic. I have thought about it, but really...I don’t think I can show Caleb’s POV, not for a while at least, because the question is...who is he? what are the blumentrio really up to? why turn on Ikithon, why hand over the beacon, why end the war? Goodness of their hearts, or another plan up their sleeves?

And, what Essek is most concerned with: do they know his role? Do they suspect? Or is Vess de Rohan the only one who still knows.

The priest steps back to the center, and, with only half a second delay, Essek raises his hands to meet Widogast’s, to hold them. The sensation of skin against his is like a shock - and he’s grateful that his exposure to the Mighty Nine has weaned him of that, that he has no reaction.

Essek is touch starved.

He keeps his eyes on Widogast, as the priest begins to read out the marriage requirements, hands resting over theirs clasped. It’s an inane, mostly symbolic list, but the most important, most binding one, comes last.

“-til death do you part?”

Exandrian vows probably aren’t the same as American. But there’s nothing more dramatic than swearing to the death.

They both have a very simple (well, simple, not easy) way out.

“I do,” Essek says, and it’s no small effort to force his voice to match the volume of the priests, to not catch in his throat.

He repeats the same for Widogast, who answers just as cleanly, an echoing, “I do.”

First words either say. Again, happening to them, not by them.

By force of will, Essek is making sure no one sees any signs he’s nervous or uncertain. Caleb is the same.

“Then, by the powers vested in me, by god, king, and country, I pronounce you - wed!”

Roman pietas was in my head for god/king/country.

Below, the crowds rise, not quite cheery excitement, but the sound of applause filling the chapel. He turns to the side, facing the crowd and looking out at them in full for the first time, bracing himself on the sight of the Mighty Nine, risen and whooping from the front row.

Standing on the dais, it’s just him, Caleb, Wulf, Verin, the priest, and the Dusk Captain. Enough to forget theirs a whole crowd - tight angle, this is just the two of them.

But they aren’t alone, it’s a show. And a successful one at that.

He’s still holding Caleb’s hand - no, Widogast is holding his hand - not gripping it, not tightly, but not letting go, either. It wasn’t one of the things brought up, in the highly detailed description of how the ceremony would take place - maybe a slip, the Empire forgetting that they didn’t do weddings, much less ones of this style - maybe a last-minute choice, trying to better signify unity before the crowds - maybe a personal decision, not wanting to let go for whatever reason.

Neither is quite ready to let go just yet. It’s easier to have someone to brace yourself against, even if you don’t trust them. Not wanting to admit it, Essek justifies. Clearly this is either a Dwendalian tradition they forgot to mention or Caleb making a political move.

Best not to dwell on it. In unison, they both step forward, down the center aisle, the line of people trailing after them.

Or, maybe not. But Essek isn’t going to let himself think about romance. He doesn’t need to like Caleb. He just needs to survive.

[bloodycrxwn]

Evelyn loved the fact that her and Isolde pretty much complimented each other. While she was more of an action girl, her sister was much more into diplomacy and politics. Evelyn wouldn't hesitate to run into action, to pick up a sword and fight for her country in the battlefield. Isolde did the same, but in a room, discussing alliances and politics with others. Evelyn lacked the patience for that, that was for sure. "That is true. But I think our guards have realized by now that they can go hard on me, it will be the only way that I'll learn. I mean, our enemies won't go easy on me on a battlefield." She shrugged her shoulders. "I know you don't, I won't, I promise. Maybe a few cuts and bruises but that's normal." She smiled, squeezing her hand back.

"I'm going to be honest with you, I haven't looked for any betrothals whatsoever ever since we arrived here. I'm hoping I'll get to go through this trip without having to. I don't have that much hope when it comes to men, but I appreciate your positivity. Men's egos are far too big to accept getting a beat from a woman." Evelyn smiled at the thought, letting out a sigh. "Wouldn't that be the dream? But we both know that he only listens to that seer of his. I'm certain that if she told him to marry me off to the French or the English, that he would do it."

In some ways, Isolde and Evelyn were two halves of the same coin, opposites but yet, they were tied together with a love that was unyielding. Evelyn had her sword, was a capable warrior who hoped to one day lead their army; Isolde, however, preferred diplomacy. She did not have her sister's battle strategies, but she could read people and negotiate; between the two of them, Scotland would be kept safe and allowed to flourish. "I'm sorry Ev. I know that it is hard for you because you never really know whether someone is just letting you win or not. However, secretly, I'm a little happy that they don't actually try to hurt you. I never want you to get hurt," Isolde murmured, squeezing her sister's hand lightly.

"I'm not trying to matchmake you, but we are supposed to be looking at betrothals and I just want to make sure that whoever you marry is just the most wonderful of men. I mean you deserve the kind of man that can either best you or take a beating and learn from it," Isolde chuckled. "Of course, it would be amazing if you just got to stay in Scotland. Maybe that's what we will do. We just have to convince Da to make you the head of the army and then you will not be able to leave."

[medimuses]

Glad that you're back in league! Will you bring Isolde onto tumblr?

Thank you, anon! I also am going to start playing it again soon. I have only rped Isolde on discord so stop being shy 😈.

Jokes aside i never thought about it, I like her but my Isolde is a bit different since i've basically made her my own with headcanons and such. Close friends know i love grabbing minor characters and making em my own! I didn't think she would be wanted on here but if she is hey maybe i'll give it a try!